from GUILLEMOT (EPA:GUI)
FIRST QUARTER 2026 TURNOVER
Carentoir, April 29, 2026
FIRST QUARTER 2026 TURNOVER
| Unaudited data (€m) January 1 to March 31, 2026 | 2026 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrustmaster | 22.7 | 22.0 | +3% |
| Gaming accessories | 22.7 | 22.0 | +3% |
| Hercules | 2.4 | 3.0 | -20% |
| Digital devices | 2.4 | 3.0 | -20% |
| TOTAL | 25.1 | 25.0 | 0% |
Q1 2026 business performance
The Group generated turnover of €25.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, stable relative to the same period of the prior year, with Thrustmaster posting modest growth of 3% and Hercules down 20%, mainly due to an unfavorable base effect (i.e. the launches of DJControl Mix Ultra and DJControl Inpulse T7 White Edition in the first quarter of 2025).
Business was buoyant in Europe and Asia, with sustained momentum in sales to end consumers confirming strong demand in these key markets. However, the Group noted a slowdown in demand for entry-level products, particularly in the United States and the Middle East, as a result of geopolitical tensions. In a macroeconomic environment that remains mixed, the Group has demonstrated its adaptability, underpinned by the strong market fit of its product ranges, the strength of its brands and the quality of its commercial network.
Strengthening high-growth channels
The Group has established a new unit dedicated to managing marketplaces, covering both sales and trade marketing aspects. This structure allows for more effective engagement with strategic partners such as Amazon, Walmart, JD.com, PDD, Joybuy and Mercado Libre. The rapid expansion of PDD, Joybuy and Mercado Libre, which are growing quickly in Europe and the United States, is a key growth driver for the coming years. This momentum boosts the visibility of the Group’s brands and supports their expansion into new consumer markets.
Financial position at March 31, 2026
- Net debt (excluding investment securities) was negative at -€22.4 million.
- The value of the portfolio of Ubisoft Entertainment shares held as investment securities stood at €1.7 million.
The Group’s financial position remains strong, providing it with the capacity to pursue strategic investments and product innovation.
2026 growth drivers
The Group will be leveraging a number of key growth drivers:
- The eagerly awaited release of racing game Forza Horizon 6 in the second quarter of 2026, which should significantly boost demand for the new range of racing accessories.
- The recent release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for PlayStation®5 and the announcement of aerial combat game Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, boosting the appeal of the joystick range.
- The 2026 launch of the new DJControl T10 — the first 10-inch vinyl controller on the market, which will broaden the Hercules-branded range for both professional and amateur DJs — and the new DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 controller.
- The presentation to retail customers of new products for the second half of the year to expand product listings.
- The gradual rollout of new products, helping improve margins.
- The rollout of the SmartTrade support program aimed at strengthening the Group’s presence in the hybrid retail channel.
- The expansion of the network of brick-and-mortar stores stocking Thrustmaster and Hercules products, including international partnerships such as the one with Costco.
Thrustmaster news
Racing
New racing wheels launched in late 2025 (T598 for Xbox, T248R for PlayStation, and PlayStation®5 and Xbox versions of T98) and the ramp-up in sales of these products in early 2026 have significantly strengthened Thrustmaster’s position in the racing market. The T98 racing wheel has received excellent press coverage and generated particularly strong sales performance.
The range was expanded in the first quarter with the addition of T818 EVO 32R — a comprehensive and versatile sim racing pack consisting of the T818 Direct Drive base, the EVO Racing 32R Leather wheel rim and the Raceline Pedals LTE pedal set — and T818 Ferrari 488 GT3 Simulator, securing Thrustmaster’s position as a provider of high-end racing wheels with an extensive and immersive simulation offering.
The racing ecosystem will continue to expand in 2026 with the launch of Formula Wheel Add-On Ferrari SF-25 Edition, GT Wheel Add-On and the Raceline Pedals III LC (Load Cell) pedal set, as well as the creation of a brand-new product category, further boosting the brand’s appeal.
The release of Forza Horizon 6 for Xbox on May 19, expected to be one of the major events of the year, will be a key driver of sales for the entire racing range. The combination of particularly polished graphics and players’ affinity for Japan, captured through vibrant visuals of Tokyo, will deliver an even more immersive racing experience and heighten enjoyment of the game.
Flight sim/Joysticks
Buoyed by the success of the Sol-R range and the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 licensing agreement regarding the T.Flight Hotas joystick for PlayStation, Thrustmaster continues to focus on innovation, with new announcements slated for the second half of 2026.
Farming
The development of the farming segment remains strong, driven by T128 SimTask Farming Pack, reinforcing the SimTask ecosystem and positioning Thrustmaster as a key player in the farm sim world. This comprehensive and immersive farming and trucking experience includes the T128 racing wheel, SimTask Steering Kit (allowing the wheel to be positioned in Tractor mode), and SimTask FarmStick for controlling heavy machinery.
Hercules news
Hercules is preparing to launch its future flagship product, the brand-new DJControl T10 controller, developed in partnership with Serato and expected in the second half of 2026. This innovative product will expand the brand’s offering in the amateur and professional segments.
Pre-orders for the DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 controller were strong, helped by very positive press play. This compact, USB-C-powered controller connects easily to a PC or Mac, allowing users to start mixing instantly. In an article published on March 10, www.gearnews.com wrote “This new beginner-focused DJ controller is a pretty amazing deal” and “You won’t believe how many features the Serato-compatible Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 DJ controller has for the price”.
The launch of the new version 6.5 of the DJUCED software also adds to the brand’s positive momentum.
Buyback and retirement of treasury shares
Under the share buyback program approved at the combined Shareholders’ General Meeting held on June 5, 2025, Guillemot Corporation S.A. decided to purchase the maximum number of 400,000 shares for retirement. Guillemot Corporation S.A. appointed an independent investment services provider to purchase these shares.
2026 outlook
For fiscal 2026, the Group has a particularly strong product and content pipeline, supported by an excellent crop of simulation and racing games.
In this context, the Group expects to increase its turnover by 5% in 2026 and is targeting operating profit equivalent to 5% of consolidated turnover, confirming its ability to create sustainable value.
Guillemot Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of interactive entertainment hardware and accessories. The Group offers a diversified range of products under the Hercules and Thrustmaster brand names. Active in this market since 1984, the Guillemot Corporation Group is currently present in 11 countries (France, Germany, Spain, the UK, the United States, Canada, Italy, Belgium, Romania, the Netherlands and China [Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong]) and distributes its products in more than 150 countries worldwide. The Group’s mission is to offer high-performance, ergonomic products which maximize enjoyment of digital interactive entertainment for end users.
Contact: Guillemot Financial Information – Tel.: +33 (0) 2 99 08 08 80 – www.guillemot.com